MARKETING PRACTICES OF CORN FARMERS IN KIORAO, KIBAWE, BUKIDNON, PHILIPPINES: BASIS FOR POLICY AND INTERVENTION
There is a growing concern about the reported low profitability among corn farmers especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas as influenced by problematic marketing activities. This study primarily investigated the current marketing situation of corn farmers in Kiorao, Kibawe, and Bukidnon, Philippines. A descriptive research design was employed to attain the objectives of the study. The study had a complete enumeration and used the responses of 31 corn farmers. Primary data were collected through a structured survey questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Qualitative analysis of data was done by synthesizing the narratives of the respondents. Quantitative analysis of data was conducted through frequency counts, percentages, and means. Results revealed that corn farmers at Kiorao Kibawe, Bukidnon, most of them are middle-aged 30- 60 years old, less educated, married, and rely on farming as their primary source of income. Corn farmers sold their commodity as corn kernels. Most of them perform post-harvest and value-adding activities which include shelling and drying amidst the high cost and limited availability of facilities. Farmers sell their produce to corn traders with low-quality control measures. Farmers are just price takers. Corn traders picked up and consolidated the corn kernels and delivered them to big feed milling companies in Cagayan de Oro City. Corn farmers incur high costs of labor and transportation in bringing the commodities from the farm to the barangay. Other challenges include low buying prices, poor road conditions, high costs of inputs, lack of source of capital, and limited availability of solar dryers. These contribute to their low profitability. Hence, this study suggests government intervention in subsidizing costs, prices, and provision of additional post-harvest facilities to reduce the marketing costs of corn farmers and maximize their profitability.
Marketing Practices, Corn, Marketing Assessment.